Mary Blair

Tons and tons of artists have lent their imaginations to Disneyland throughout the years. One artist, however, had a creative vision that captured Walt’s imagination. In fact, Walt trusted her so much that he called on her to design one of his biggest ever park projects. Her name was Mary Blair, and she brought bold colors, sharp patterns, and distinctive shapes to the world of Disney, in Disneyland and on the big screen.

 Source: Illustration History

Blair’s impressive resume began with her education. She studied at San Jose University before winning a scholarship to the Chouinard Art Institute. But her reputation really developed when she became a member of the California School of Watercolor. Blair’s unique use of colors and patterned shapes drew the attention of major film studios. After graduating, she began her career as an animator for MGM. After MGM, Blair worked at Ub Iwerks, and participated in the California Watercolor Society. And finally, in 1940, Blair entered the world of Disney.

 Source: D23

Blair’s first projects were Dumbo and an early version of Lady and the Tramp. But she didn’t make waves in the studio until she joined Walt’s team on a research trip to South America. Walt was so taken with her watercolor work that he appointed her an art supervisor for two new projects: Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros. For the next decade, Blair worked on many Disney animations, from lesser known shorts to classics like Peter Pan and Cinderella.

In the 1950s, Blair left Disney to become a freelance designer and illustrator. But her impact on Disney was nowhere near finished. Blair worked with Walt on a new attraction for the 1964 World’s Fair…you may have heard of it: It’s A Small World.

 Source: Atomic Ranch

The attraction was obviously a massive success, and Blair quickly became associated with Disneyland, and later the other Disney parks. She designed murals for Disneyland’s Tomorrowland, the Contemporary Hotel in Walt Disney World, and many other little art pieces scattered around the Disney Parks. She was honored with a window on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, under the name “Center Street Academy of Fine Art”.

 Source: Disney Pix

Blair’s distinctive style is still a big part of Disneyland. Thought the murals in Tomorrowland have since been covered, her art is still central to Small World, and you can often view temporary displays of her art in the Disney Gallery or Wonderground Gallery. Fellow Disney Legend Marty Sklar claims Blair’s giant murals are still intact beneath the new walls & marquees of Tomorrowland. Maybe some day they will return, for a whole new generation of Mary Blair fans to admire.

 Source: The Walt Disney Family Museum